Charming Photos and Uplifting Writings

Posts tagged ‘John F. Kennedy’

There’s no bright sunlight today, just cloud cover, but the temperature is pleasant. It’s like any day; there is something I can find that’s uninspiring, an excuse to complain about, and to be miserable. Or, there is always something I can find that inspires me to move on. I have that choice!

Some choices are rewarding, and some we need to learn from as we grow. During a conversation, someone discussed with me an issue of importance to them. The drug and alcohol abuse among many Americans, both young and old. During the conversation, this person mentioned that recovery can take place once someone has reached rock bottom. One must lose what they view as valuable, important, and needed to live on. They must accept that they have to take responsibility for their actions. They have to let go of the blame, in order to make a change. The question was raised, “What if someone is only centered on themselves? What they have achieved has become dispensable, and they have lost conscience of the importance of family members, friends, and even their values? What is their rock bottom?”

Some of those same questions can address many within this country as we all struggle to move on during this recovery time from our recession. To rebuild from an economy that headed for rock bottom. To let go of the blame we gained from a bruised self-esteem. I have asked myself the same questions of what is essential, necessary, and indispensable to me as I too, struggle with unemployment in a rural area searching for employment. I have had to let go of the blame, the excuses, and take responsibility to move forward. It’s my choice, it’s inspiring, and essential for me to grow and become a better person.

During President Obama’s State of the Union address, I read and listened to many comments both televised and on social networks, and will say in my opinion, we have lost our ability to uphold the dignity and respect for others and ourselves. No matter what my opinions or views are about philosophy, economics, political, or religious, I deserve respect for my achievements as a person, mother, wife, photographer, writer, and whatever I have striven to accomplish to better myself and fulfill my dreams and so do you and even the President.

In my opinion, some key points he laid out in his vision for America; that it will take hard work and responsibility from each, I fully support. Where each person does his/her fair share, and where each person is held accountable for his/her actions. That vision is exactly what President Kennedy asked during his Inaugural Address, “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Have we become a country of so many that run from responsibility, hide under alcohol and drug abuse, to expect handouts and others to correct the situation? Have we become a nation of complainers, which we will hide behind the First Amendment to voice our ignorance? Have we lost the ability to respect ourselves and others?

No matter what struggles I may face, I continue to respect that President Obama is the President, he has worked hard and achieved that title. I may or may not agree with all he has to say or his decisions, but as an American, I owe him my respect. I owe it to myself to offer respect to others with dignity.

I truly believe, getting back to the basic values to respect others, to work hard, and guard each man’s dignity is essential to our growth for America.

Dignity: bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation. Nobility or elevation of character; worthiness: dignity of sentiments. Elevated rank, office, station, etc. Relative standing; rank. A sign or token of respect:Respect: esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability. Deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment